Is there any blankets out there like that? I’m looking for another blanket for my boy since he has destroyed all the other ones I had, but he has a tendency to get out of them or destroys them. Any recommendations or would I be better off buying a couple of yard sale blankets and say oh well, that blanket only cost me a couple of bucks?
Generally I’vefound that horses who destroy their own rugs are just too hot in them, so the best option is to go for a thinner rug rather than try and find an indestructible one. I had one old mare who was happiest in a thin stable rug throughout winter whilst at the same time my other horse had a thick quilt and a heavyweight on. It’s just a question of finding the right balance of warm enough but not too warm.
The ones he destroyed were rainsheets, so it’s not going to get thinner or lighter than that ;).
Smart Pak has one with a ten year guarantee: https://www.smartpakequine.com/smartpak-ultimate-turnout-blanket-10621p
[QUOTE=spotted draft x filly;7790654]
The ones he destroyed were rainsheets, so it’s not going to get thinner or lighter than that ;).[/QUOTE]
Yep had the same problem with the old mare, okay if it was raining all day with no let up but as soon as there was a hint of dry the rug would get pitched. Only option was to leave rugless. She survived 
Kevlar? 
A 1680 Nylon should do it, and make sure it fits really well. Some horses aren’t comfortable in blankets and picking a blanket that fits differently, maybe a higher neck option that doesn’t restrict the shoulders may make the difference.
I am not listening to this conversation, because that means we will need blankets, which means it’s going to be very, very cold soon.
noooo! Florida people I am sure are laughing right now.
I am not listening to this conversation, because that means we will need blankets, which means it’s going to be very, very cold soon.
noooo! Florida people I am sure are laughing right now.
[QUOTE=spotted draft x filly;7790654]
The ones he destroyed were rainsheets, so it’s not going to get thinner or lighter than that ;).[/QUOTE]
Make sure sheets you’re trying are breathable - for that they need a certain amount of lining/fill, ie the blanket may appear less cool than the rainsheet with less/no lining but will actually perform better on the horse … at least so the story goes from from the rug specialists I had this discussion with :winkgrin:
It seems to work … horse was definitely less sweaty under the lined sheet with 50g of fill.
If you’re using the blankets with traditional lining, you might try Bucas with the fleece lining (it’s non static and feels nothing like the “polar” fleece) - the Power Turnout Light has an outstanding temperature range (I was sceptical but that crazy silver fabric really does perform as advertised) …
BUT
I just did an online search for Bucas in the US & Toklat is the distributor & their pricing is high (I just picked up a 2nd PTL) … the ballistic nylon is what you want to look for in terms of the outer, it is resistant to an initial “tear” and also won’t “run” (my blanket terminology fails me today).
I expected the horse that wears these blankets to object, he’s been very willing to endure them - you can always tell when he’s been attempting to “shed” the blanket (we stop blanketing then for a few days, regardless of weather, then give him the blanket back & he usually decides it’s a good thing afterall), we also blanket this horse less.
You might email Bucas to see what they suggest - I know they have a shop that handles any “clearance” rugs (in Ireland or the UK so you’d have shipping to work out).
You can also look at the blankets with “stretch” panels (Eurstar made this but I can’t find the product video & it’s not in their current catalog) or “split” panels (Rambo Optimo) - a local shop sold the stretch panel sheet with the disclaimer that it was not suitable for group turnout as the stretch panels are not at all resistant to tearing should another horse grab hold … last year there were some amazing clearance deals on the Optimo so I’m surprised to see it at list price again (perhaps it’s a new version & the clearance was just old stock) - you might try one through Dover re customer satisfaction policy, also Rambo will replace/refund if blanket tears … of course Horsewear Ireland does not offer the fleece lining that Bucas does (I love this blanket as you can throw it on a soaking wet horse and horse is dry to touch within 30min).
If you do invest in these sorts of blankets, be sure to follow manufacturer instructions re wash and care as harsh detergents or over heating (in a dryer) can deteriorate the waterproof coating (waterproof coating divides between one that is heat activated & one that is heat impaired).
Don’t waste your $$ on any of the 600 denier blankets - they are a nice lightweight option for horses that like their blankets and don’t indulge in horseplay
You don’t mention your horse’s shape - this is important when selecting blankets most likely to fit, often “talking” with the manufacturer is your best source of information.
The New Zealand Rug. I find out lasts anything. I have a friend that has had one for 40 yrs and it is still going strong. Other then that I love my Bucas.
http://www.equine-world.co.uk/store/proddetail.asp?prod=Equi-Theme-New-Zealand-Rug
Thanks I’ll check out all those suggestions. I don’t blanket him as soon as it gets cold, only when he starts showing that he’s cold or burning too many calories to stay warm. He’s a distance bred TB, so he’s as wide as a pencil and long. The first winter I had him, it was what made me decide to always keep a blanket on hand for him. He was actually fat, but the dummy rolled in a puddle and the temps dropped. He’s the type of horse that always does something that causes you to do this :no::sigh:
